The best camping near Duluth with surfing

Looking to go camping near Duluth, Minnesota and catch some waves while you're at it? Hipcamp has you covered with 17 options specifically tailored to your surfing needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's a campsite that's perfect for you. With average prices at $89 per night and options as low as $69, you're sure to find something within your budget. Check out the top campsites in the area, like Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Superior Beach Camp (49 reviews), and Abbott Acres (15 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and cooking equipment, along with activities like boating, swimming, and whitewater paddling.

99% (935)

Top-rated campgrounds near Duluth

1. Balsam Ridge Retreat

3.5mi from Duluth · 9 sites · Lodging

Hello friends! Yes, we are open!! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! As you may know, we've been on pause for several months taking care of my aging mom. She is still with us but we're going to open up for the beautiful winter months! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

2. Superior Beach Camp

12mi from Duluth · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.

3. Zenith Basecamp

1.3mi from Duluth · 3 sites · Lodging

Zenith Basecamp is a place for the adventure inspired community to gather with other like-minded explorers. We provide indoor glamping in a hostel setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The property also has an elevated cocktail bar, unique retail, and a community space. Recharge amidst your adventures or launch your North Shore excursions directly from Basecamp in the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth, Minnesota! The outdoor activities surrounding Duluth are endless! All rooms include a full cooler and camping chairs that you can take with you on your daily excursions. While we call ourselves a hostel, all rooms are private.

4. Gooseberry Falls State Park

69 sites · Beaver Bay, Minnesota

Next time you find yourself on Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61, do everything you can to pull over for the stunning views at Gooseberry Falls State Park. The region has been a seat of human activity on the north shore of Lake Superior since at least 1670, and it’s no wonder—the river gorge carved out of ancient rock and five many-tiered waterfalls will literally take your breath away, and developed modern camp sites provide comfort and ease so you can spend more time exploring.Bike the paved Gitchi-Gami trail, or hike any of the connector paths to the Superior Hiking Trail system. Pack some sammies and enjoy the Picnic Flow area, situated on an ancient lava flow that provides great views of Lake Superior. Check out the historic rustic granite structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose design was overseen by Italian stonemasons and is very colorful. With so much to do, it’s worth it to invest in the year pass if you live nearby—for Minnesotans, the first time at Gooseberry is never the last.

Looking to go camping near Duluth, Minnesota and catch some waves while you're at it? Hipcamp has you covered with 17 options specifically tailored to your surfing needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's a campsite that's perfect for you. With average prices at $89 per night and options as low as $69, you're sure to find something within your budget. Check out the top campsites in the area, like Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Superior Beach Camp (49 reviews), and Abbott Acres (15 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and cooking equipment, along with activities like boating, swimming, and whitewater paddling.

99% (935)

Top-rated campgrounds near Duluth

1. Balsam Ridge Retreat

3.5mi from Duluth · 9 sites · Lodging

Hello friends! Yes, we are open!! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! As you may know, we've been on pause for several months taking care of my aging mom. She is still with us but we're going to open up for the beautiful winter months! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

2. Superior Beach Camp

12mi from Duluth · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.

3. Zenith Basecamp

1.3mi from Duluth · 3 sites · Lodging

Zenith Basecamp is a place for the adventure inspired community to gather with other like-minded explorers. We provide indoor glamping in a hostel setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The property also has an elevated cocktail bar, unique retail, and a community space. Recharge amidst your adventures or launch your North Shore excursions directly from Basecamp in the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth, Minnesota! The outdoor activities surrounding Duluth are endless! All rooms include a full cooler and camping chairs that you can take with you on your daily excursions. While we call ourselves a hostel, all rooms are private.

4. Gooseberry Falls State Park

69 sites · Beaver Bay, Minnesota

Next time you find yourself on Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61, do everything you can to pull over for the stunning views at Gooseberry Falls State Park. The region has been a seat of human activity on the north shore of Lake Superior since at least 1670, and it’s no wonder—the river gorge carved out of ancient rock and five many-tiered waterfalls will literally take your breath away, and developed modern camp sites provide comfort and ease so you can spend more time exploring.Bike the paved Gitchi-Gami trail, or hike any of the connector paths to the Superior Hiking Trail system. Pack some sammies and enjoy the Picnic Flow area, situated on an ancient lava flow that provides great views of Lake Superior. Check out the historic rustic granite structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose design was overseen by Italian stonemasons and is very colorful. With so much to do, it’s worth it to invest in the year pass if you live nearby—for Minnesotans, the first time at Gooseberry is never the last.

Public campgrounds near Duluth

Gooseberry Falls Campground

Gooseberry Falls Campground

40mi from Duluth · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gooseberry Falls State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Balsam Ridge Retreat

M

Mirtha

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

My stay was amazing. I love Duluth and wanted to go to Bentleyville and it was a short drive from that plus down town duluth and canal park. Amazing location. It is a wooded area away from the city and people and very quiet. There is beautiful lights lighting the pathways thru out the entire area. Kris and Linda were the nicest hosts I have met, they gave us a lovely tour of all of the sites showed us where everything was and told us to just text if they needed anything. They were both so so nice, welcoming and bubbly. Just the kind of people I like to be around. We had a stove, fridge and heaters to keep us warm as it was really cold but we slept like babies nice and warm with plenty of extra blankets provided by Kris and Linda. They even have a awesome community tent with many chairs and a piano and guitar. They have compost outhouses close by each site and they were easy to use and worked great. They also provided water. It was very magical and peaceful there. I can’t wait to visit again. The entire stay was calm, relaxed and magical during the night time with all of the lights. The swings there are also an absolute blast. If you are considering coming here. I encourage you to go for it. They are wondering hosts and I don’t have a single complaint. Everything was perfect. - Kristian and Mirtha.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

J

Jason

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Unfortunately, I had a dear friend take a turn for the worse at Mayo and he is no longer with us. But my interactions with Linda via Hipcamp chat was wonderful. Linda is a great, pleaseant, understanding, and compassionate person. I truly believe had I been able to make my stay that she would have made sure that it was a wonderful one. I will have to rebook in the near future.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

M

Marta

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda made our winter camping experience magical and enjoyable. The basics like the furniture and chopped wood were solid, and the string lights around the property add something special to winter nights. I really enjoyed meeting Linda and staying at her site.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

J

Jonah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

My wife and I came up for the weekend and stayed in the roost. It was a lovely rustic cabin that kept it's warm during the cold nights. The property was a nice to walk through the trails. The trails are lit at night for comfort. The host were welcoming and wonderful to us during our stay. We tried out the swing and that was a delight. Overall great experience.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

B

Baron

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda and Chris are two of the most welcoming and caring people. They take the time to make sure your stay is as enjoyable as it possibly could be. From little things like clearly lit trails at night to a very warm cabin to wake up refreshed in. We will definitely come again.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

j

josh

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

This place is amazing and has so much charm. I have been here twice and it keeps getting better. The host are wonderful people and great to meet. This is a magical place and I would recommend to anyone.

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Superior Beach Camp

J

John

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Superior Beach Camp

Great spot and private beach area with lots to explore.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

A

Austin

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

This was one of the most magical places to stay and we hope to be back again and again. The hosts Linda and Chris are the key holders for the magic that this place holds. Meeting you upon arrival and making sure you know the ins and outs of the place and any little tricks that may come in handy along the way, truly some of the best hosts out there. One of our favorite things about Danny’s tent was using the little wood stove to warm up the place and cook on top of. I’ve never stayed in a tent so cozy it made you never want to leave. The whole experience in itself will leave you wanting more , from booking a weekend to dreaming of booking a week even in the cold months. Thank you Linda and Chris for having us and we hope to see you again!

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

Kay

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

This was my second stay at Balsam Ridge, however the first time at the Listening Point. We initially planned on staying at a different site until we were contact by Linda, the site host, and informed that this quaint little "canned ham" camper was available to use if we want to move to that instead as it might be a little warmer. We agreed to switch, and are sure glad we did! Linda went above and beyond to make sure every thing was absolutely perfect for us upon arrival. There was literally everything we could possibly need as if we pulled the camper in and parked it ourselves. Shy of our own personal necessities, the only thing we "really" had to bring was blankets, pillows & food...everything was provided in the camper! We really hit the jackpot with this stay! (Actually the jackpot is name of the super clean outhouse that is less that 20 feet away) but we really did feel spoiled with this stay! **One thing to note - if you happen to stay when the temperatures start getting below freezing.. You'll still be plenty warm inside, but you will need to bring water with you for cooking\drinking\dishes** No matter what season you choose to stay, you'll not be disappointed! There are plenty of things to do both in the camper and on site. When you arrive Chris & Linda will give you a tour through the campground to show you around and help you bring your things to your site if you want\need help and are always available if you ever need anything. I promise you'll be a happy camper!

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The Lego House

P

Paula

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

It's like you are in the forest, yet you are a stones throw away from town! The quiet and friendly atmosphere the Hosts provide is top notch! Listening Point is on top of the hill and close enough to the Jackpot for those midnight runs. That canned ham is small but big enough for the two adults to get around and get things done. The thoughtful way Linda had the camper decorated blew my mind. She had throw pillows on one bed that a family member cross stitched and likey took a good while to finish. They were beautiful. Just take a walk and look at all the lil details that have been lovingly put into all the spaces at the Retreat. Let me know if you find the tortoise shell, it will make me 😃 Would I recommend this camping retreat to friends and family? I sure would! You have to experience Balsam Ridge Retreat at least once in your lifetime. As long as they remain open my friend Kay and I will be there every year. I miss them already. Thank you again for the relaxation. P.H.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

A

Abby and Brittany

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Fantastic place! Linda and Chris are incredibly kind and hospitable!

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

A

Alejandro

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

my fiance and I had a great stay and the tent was very comfy!

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

A

Anthony

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

5 stars every time. I take an annual trip here and have taken this trip for the last 3 years. You will never not be comfortable or feel like you’re at home. Chris and Linda give an excellent warm welcome to all guests that arrive and keep the same warm and caring attitude throughout the whole stay. Also if you’re having any problems they handle it very quickly with patience and a smile. If you’re thinking about staying here or thinking about camping in Duluth. I promise you with my whole heart this is the place to go!!

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Take a step back in time and relax in this 50+ year old tent!

Rae

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda and Chris are such lovely and welcoming hosts; from check-in to check-out they were warm and hospitable. The canvas tent with wood stove was fantastic to sleep in and held the heat from the stove very well, and the property itself is fantastic and a delight to walk along. I look forward to booking here again sometime!

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

C

Claire

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Super cozy and remote! Loved sharing tight quarters in the fall with my favorite person :)

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

L

Laurie

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat

This was our first time at Balsam Ridge Retreat, but hopefully not the last! It felt very secluded and private, while also super accessible to Duluth. Linda and Chris were excellent hosts, ready with the golf cart to give us a tour and help carry our luggage. They have put a lot of thought into all the various offerings (like the fire pits, lounge by the pond, carpet pool, christmas-lighted trails, bird feeders outside our window), and it's clear they care deeply about making sure their guests enjoy themselves. We felt very comfortable in the Stuga, especially with the help of the heaters. And our ten-year-old loved the "dreamer" and the "screamer," two different swings that live up to their names, one offering a calm swing and the other, an exhilarating soar through the air. We're looking forward to coming back when there's some snow!

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Superior Beach Camp

Sarah

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Superior Beach Camp

It was clean. Very peaceful. Very little to no traffic. Perfect for an escape in nature with the beach. We hope to be back next year.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

A

Amanda

October 2025

2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat

This hipcamp was so relaxing. There is so much detail in every part of this camp done for each site it is welcoming. Your in a residential area but feel as if you have been transformed to northern woods where there is no one around. Iy is beautifully lit up at night and so many things you see and do. Loved spending time with my daughter canoeing the pond. Eating supper in the outside longe area. With the little stove to keep us warm on those cold nights. Carpet ball was fun! Never played that before. Owls, little red squirrels, just everything is beautiful. Thank You Linda and Chris.

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

K

Kayla

October 2025

2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat

Stayed in the Stuga mid October. The cabin and campsite in general surpassed expectations. Was pleasantly surprised with the cozy (adjustable) heat, the in-cabin stove and refrigerator. The community hut by the pond felt very thoughtful and inviting.

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Take a step back in time and relax in this 50+ year old tent!

W

Whitney

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat

Linda and Chris thought of everything we could need! The space was lovely and we loved being along walking paths and feeling like we were in nature, while also being a short drive to downtown Duluth if we wanted to do anything in town:)

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Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Duluth

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Beaver Bay, Minnesota

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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